When you first arrive in Quebec City, it feels like a dream. It’s a city that is both modern and old world at the same time and charms you immediately upon arrival. It’s calm, cool, and collected as a city compared to others I’ve been to of a similar size and scope. The locals there make you feel at ease right away and I find that the treatment towards visitors, both new and old, was extremely kind and accommodating.
I believe it makes a big difference in my own travels to learn a bit of the local language so if you can begin in French and then switch to English, the locals there will really appreciate you trying. My French is pitiful, but I did try to keep it going for a little bit as a sign of respect and courtesy for my visit to Quebec City. Regardless of if you’re visiting from Montreal or Mexico City, you’ll be instantly drawn to this gem of Quebec and Canada for its cobblestone streets, centuries-old stone buildings, and fortified city walls that give it a unique and rare vibe.
Quebec City is known for looking like a European postcard while situated in North America and I couldn’t agree more. You need at least a few days to soak in the history, the culture, the cuisine, also scale this fortress of a city, which is the only remaining fortified one on the continent outside of Mexico. Even while old or vieux Quebec is not the entire Quebec City, it has many of the unique landmarks to visit during a stay here.
You’ve got the Chateau Frontenac, a behemoth of a castle and modern hotel dating back to the late 1800’s, which is the most photographed hotel in the world and dominates the city’s skyline from the Saint Lawrence River and beyond. I would recommend walking inside, checking out the décor, and going back in time to Bar 1608 with its amazing views, great wine selection, and plush chairs and tables to relax in after a long day of sightseeing. Quebec City is a city for walking, biking, or even horse carriage riding.
You really get a lot out of strolling along the Old Port, along the City Walls, down the Dufferin Terrace, which is quite beautiful and has a great view of the sunrise and sunset. I would be remiss too for not mentioning the Quartier Petit-Champlain with its cozy shops, outdoor dining, and delicious sweets and ice cream shops. Pleasant people watching, shopping, enjoying the beautiful views, and enjoying some local history at a slower pace make Quebec City such an inviting and pleasant city to spend some time in, especially in the warmer months of Spring and Summer.
What most impressed me besides the sights and sounds of Quebec City was enjoying the food, which is heavily French influenced but with a Quebecois twist. You’ve got amazing poutine with various types of meat and even veggie offerings. Cheese curds and gravy along with any other toppings to go along with the frites (fries) is an amazing way to load up on calories after scaling and hiking along the city’s walls and steps. My favorite place for poutine in Quebec City would be Le Chic Shack, especially for their smoked meat poutine and their mouthwatering burgers to go with it and a Raspberry soda to wash it all down. The clear views of the Chateau Frontenac while dining there outdoors make this place a clear winner for me.
There’s maple in the whiskey, on the bacon, and even with the ice cream here and when you come back, you’re going to want to put maple syrup on everything (including your coffee). There are so many good restaurants there that you’ll find yourself wanting to come back just to eat at new places and explore new breakfast spots. For example, I had one of the best breakfasts in my life at Au Petit Coin Breton whose signature crepes and breakfast plates will keep you satisfied for the rest of your day. A typical Quebecois breakfast is a must when visiting Quebec City and for evidence proof, you can see what I had below as a reference for how hearty and filling it was. Beyond meat and maple sauce, you’ve got fresh seafood, tremendous pastries (e.g. Paillard and Café La Maison Smith), and good coffee shops to relax while you visit. To me, it’s a great place to enjoy great food and drinks while enjoying some people watching as you dine outdoors.
While my visit to Quebec City didn’t coincide with any festivals or parties, there is the winter carnival, which is the biggest winter party in Canada with ice sculptures, parades, and even an ice palace. If you can visit in late June or specifically on June 24th, it coincides with Saint-Jean-Baptiste day or Quebec’s national holiday (Fete Nationale du Quebec), which I hear is quite the party across the province. Between music festivals, outdoor markets, and traditional dances, Quebec City has a lot to offer throughout the year whether its for Christmas, Carnival, or for the summer months when the city becomes a giant party. What I enjoy most regarding the Quebecois culture is that they are proud of the rich French heritage they share but are open to being multicultural as well in their embrace of new foods, traditions, and peoples who make Quebec such a vibrant province.
If you’re visiting in winter or simply need to unwind after exploring the historic streets of Quebec City any other time of year, I can highly recommend making time for a visit to Strøm Spa Nordique. Nestled along the Saint Lawrence River, this Nordic-style spa blends beautifully into the natural surroundings and offers hot-cold therapy pools, saunas, and serene relaxation zones, even in the snow and cold. It’s the perfect way to balance out a day of sightseeing with a little self-care, Québec-style. Picture yourself soaking in a thermal bath with views of the St. Lawrence river as snowflakes gently fall around you, now that’s a great way to spend an afternoon or evening as part of your trip here.
If you’re an outdoors person, you can also hike, kayak, canoe, or go fishing within an hour of the city as well. You’ve got whale watching, boat tours, and beautiful views from the Saint Lawrence River. I was lucky enough to explore the nearby ile d’Orleans for a winery tour and to enjoy some fresh fruits and ciders from some local wineries and distilleries. My top choice for any new visitor to Île d ‘Orléans (Island of Orleans) would be Casa Monna & Filles, which is a very charming, family-run blackcurrant (cassis) farm and liqueur producer that’s pure Quebec flavor in a bottle. Run by two badass sisters and their father, this spot serves up award-winning cassis products, a scenic bistro terrace overlooking the river, and some seriously tasty gelato. It’s a perfect pit stop for sipping, snacking, and soaking in the island’s laid-back vibes.
If you enjoy some downtime on your way back to Quebec City, Montmorency Falls is worth a stopover. It is higher than Niagara Falls in Ontario, less crowded (even in June), and stunning to see. You may even get lucky enough to witness a rainbow forming from the Falls as I did, which was incredibly beautiful to see. If you come to Quebec City in the Winter, I’ve heard that snowshoeing, snowboarding, ice skating, snowmobiling, and sledding are the best activities to indulge in. I would recommend just being careful on the river in the winter as I’m not sure how thick the ice gets, and I know I wouldn’t want to take that risk voluntarily.
Quebec City is compact, very walkable, and best explored on foot but is great for biking and taking public transit too if your feet get tired. Make sure to say ‘bonjour’ when entering a place and try to remember ‘Merci’ and ‘S’il Vous Plait’ as a courtesy to the locals. Coming here was like stepping into the old world while mixing with the new. It’s a unique and fun experience of a proud culture within North America. Expect Canadian friendliness and European elegance here and I guarantee you’ll want to come back again soon to explore the city more or check out the surrounding areas.
Whether it’s for the summer festivals and holidays or for the winter Carnival and snow-filled vibes, you will really enjoy this gem of Quebec and gem of Canada. From its storybook streets to its warm, welcoming spirit, Quebec City is a place that will capture your heart and keep you coming back for more. Don’t just visit but also immerse yourself and let this timeless city become part of your own adventure story.
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